A Non-League Success

The career of Liam Daish manager of Conference Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United formely Gravesend and Northfleet could of seen him endure a longer and more successful playing career had it not been for the severe knee ligament injury which forced him to an early retirement.

Playing for the likes of Portsmouth,Cambridge United, Barnet, Birmingham City, Coventry City and Havant and Waterlooville; also after some fantastic performances the Republic of Ireland gave Liam a debut for his National side which saw him overall cap 5 appearances for them.

With Cambridge United he experienced back to back promotions in 1990 and then 1991, from the 4th division to 3rd and then from 3rd to 2nd. When Birmingham came calling little did he know the success he would achieve during his time there being a 2nd division champion; in the same year he won the Football League Trophy captaining the side during this succesful season.

An FA Trophy semi-final in 2003 with Havant and Waterlooville seemed a good achievement when winning the FA Trophy in 2008 it emphasised the greatness of the success and more beckoned. Beforehand he had to experience a relegation battle which he lost with Ebbsfleet United in 2009 only until the following season where he helped the Fleet bounce straight back up.

Nominated for the National Game Awards manager of the year in 2012 by the time this article is published just maybe, his CV will look even better however until then we will wait in anticipation to see. A busy summer is ahead and if the signings are anywhere near as good as the last; Stonebridge Road has an amazing season to look forward to.

Deals need to be reached with the current squad to see them return next year and hopefully Liam can work his magic again, like he has for so many years.

Thank you for such a positive influence you have had on our club for the past 7 years and maybe when looking back in another 7 years time their will be more pages in the history books. However another chapter looks set to be written as Liam looks as if he is going to become the Fleets longest serving manager come June this year.

Who says that the Non-League can't achieve success because I don't, to see your local team appear at Wembley is special and with Liam Daish the task was made possible.

More managerial success is to come so stop, look and listen because I know this won't be the last you hear of this inspirational manager.